Payton Gogo
Music has always played a big role in Payton Gogo’s life. The Sam Houston High School Class of 2020 valedictorian plays two instruments, was the drum major of the school’s marching band, went to regional musical competition as a freshman, and plans to continue his passion for music when he heads off to Prairie View A&M University in the fall.
“I plan to study music education at Prairie View A&M University,” said Payton. “With my knowledge of music, I can help out those under me now, like the underclassman. That has been a lot of fun - when someone comes up to me and asks me for help and I can help them grow. They really appreciate it.”
Payton says that over the years, he has had a lot of fun in band (he participated in marching band, jazz band, concert band, and steel drum ensemble) as well as learning outside of the classroom and exploring music on his own. He said that at first, music was just about reading it on the page. But through a music theory class, and his participation in jazz band, he is learning why music works and how it all comes together.
“When I got into jazz band, it really opened me up to a whole new style of music, which I didn’t know,” he said. “I thought I knew about different styles, but it really showed me that there was a lot that I didn’t know or wasn’t looking out for.”
Bruce Adams, Sam Houston band director, said he is encouraging Payton to pursue a master’s degree in music composition after he completes his bachelor’s degree.
“Payton is a brilliant young man,” said Adams. “That’s one thing I love is that he wants to get it right; he is a perfectionist. It is one of my biggest wishes that before I retire, he gets to a level where he creates a composition and we at Sam Houston are the first band to play it.”
That perfectionist part of Payton not only applied to his musical endeavors. He took the SAT twice this year, taking it a second time only 11 days after he took it the first time because he believed he could do better. And he did.
“My high score was a 1490,” he said. “I actually was hoping I could take it again, but COVID-19 happened.”
As the school year comes to an end, Payton is excited about the future and feels prepared for his college experience.
“My parents didn’t let us kids slack off,” he said. “They raised all good kids and we work hard. And in band, the director doesn’t let us slack off either. Having him be a mentor for us really reinforces me taking the path I did.”